Cost of Living: Riverside, CA vs Lowell, MA (2026)

Riverside

California
144
VS

Lowell

Massachusetts
119

Riverside is 21% more expensive than Lowell.

$1,812/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,603/mo ↓ 12%
$88,575/yr ↑ 16%
Median Income
$76,205/yr ↓ 14%
$542,100 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$395,100 ↓ 27%
$1,880/mo ↑ 12%
Owner Costs
$1,672/mo ↓ 11%
316,241
Population
114,799

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
9.0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Riverside, CA and Lowell, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 144 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $209/month cheaper in Lowell, saving renters about $2,508/year.

Median household income is $12,370/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Riverside is $542,100 compared to $395,100 in Lowell.

Massachusetts has a lower income tax rate, making Lowell slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Riverside vs Lowell — common questions

Is Riverside or Lowell cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lowell is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 144 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Riverside and Lowell?
Median rent in Riverside is $1,812/month and in Lowell it's $1,603/month — a difference of $209/month.
Which city has higher income, Riverside or Lowell?
Median household income is $88,575 in Riverside and $76,205 in Lowell. Median household income is $12,370/year higher in Riverside.
How do taxes compare between California and Massachusetts?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Riverside or Lowell?
It depends on your priorities. Riverside has a cost index of 144 with median rent of $1,812/mo, while Lowell has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,603/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Riverside details → View Lowell details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Riverside and Lowell

Riverside vs. Corpus Christi Riverside vs. Orlando Riverside vs. Stockton Riverside vs. Santa Ana Riverside vs. Lexington Riverside vs. Cincinnati Lowell vs. League City Lowell vs. East Los Angeles Lowell vs. High Point Lowell vs. Carlsbad Lowell vs. Richmond Lowell vs. Waterbury